silent

a. [ L. silens, -entis, p. pr. of silere to be silent; akin to Goth. ana-silan. ] 1. Free from sound or noise; absolutely still; perfectly quiet. [ 1913 Webster ]

How silent is this town! Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Not speaking; indisposed to talk; speechless; mute; taciturn; not loquacious; not talkative. [ 1913 Webster ]

Ulysses, adds he, was the most eloquent and most silent of men. Broome. [ 1913 Webster ]

This new-created world, whereof in hell
Fame is not silent. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. Keeping at rest; inactive; calm; undisturbed; as, the wind is silent. Parnell. Sir W. Raleigh. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. (Pron.) Not pronounced; having no sound; quiescent; as, e is silent in “fable.” [ 1913 Webster ]

5. Having no effect; not operating; inefficient. [ R. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

Cause . . . silent, virtueless, and dead. Sir W. Raleigh. [ 1913 Webster ]

Silent partner. See Dormant partner, under Dormant. [ 1913 Webster ]

Syn. -- Mute; taciturn; dumb; speechless; quiet; still. See Mute, and Taciturn. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. That which is silent; a time of silence. [ R. ] “The silent of the night.” Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ L. silentiarius: cf. F. silenciaire. See Silence. ] One appointed to keep silence and order in court; also, one sworn not to divulge secrets of state. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. [ L. silentiosus: cf. F. silencieux. ] Habitually silent; taciturn; reticent. [ R. ] [ 1913 Webster ]